Have a honeymoon to remember by planning ahead.
You Will Need
A budget
Bids on itineraries
Restaurant reservations
Time to research destinations
Airline upgrade (optional)
Steps
STEP 1 Decide on a destination
Decide on a destination together.
STEP 2 Establish a budget
Establish a budget. Factor in money for tips, souvenirs, and gifts.
Consider departing for your honeymoon two days after your wedding rather than the next day, so you can begin your trip well rested.
STEP 3 Research the area
Research the area to get an idea of places you want to visit, hotels you'd love to stay in, sightseeing excursions, and so on. If you plan to stay in more than one spot, figure out the ideal number of days to spend in each location.
STEP 4 Cut costs
Find ways to cut costs, like using frequent flyer miles for the airline tickets. Or think about opening a honeymoon registry, where loved ones can contribute to the cost of your trip or buy you honeymoon experiences, like dinner or a sightseeing outing at your destination.
Consider using frequent flyer miles to upgrade to first or business class, especially if you’re facing a long flight. Or let the check-in clerk know, very politely, that you two are newlyweds.
STEP 5 Consider transportation
Think about whether you want to rent a car, take public transportation, use mostly cabs, or even hire a car and driver for part of the trip.
STEP 6 Get bids
Send your dream itinerary to several travel agencies and ask them to bid on your trip. Using a travel agent may seem outdated, but they're good to have on your side if something goes wrong. Plus, they sometimes have access to deals that you don't.
Find an agent who's actually been to your destination. They'll be able to offer great insider advice.
STEP 7 Secure dinner reservations
Research restaurants in the area so you can make reservations ahead of time, especially if you want to go to a place where tables are difficult to secure.
If nothing else, make a dinner reservation for the first night of the honeymoon so you start the trip off right.
STEP 8 Work the honeymoon angle
When making any kind of reservations, mention that you will be on your honeymoon. This can get you upgrades, discounts, and extras.
STEP 9 Reconfirm
Reconfirm your flight and hotel reservations a few days before the trip.
The word honeymoon is said to come from the ancient practice of newlyweds drinking honey wine for a month – or one lunar cycle – after their wedding to assure the birth of sons.